A study published in the journal Pain has found that crossing your arms helps reduce the brains perception of pain.

Researchers induced a "pinprick" sensation on persons hands either at their sides, then crossed, and found the latter position confused the brain's processing of information coming from multiple regions.

By studying the participants brain regions in the experiment, researchers discovered the confusion is due to a misalignment between the brain's external mapping of where it assumes the hands SHOULD BE and the internal map of the source of new pain information.

The lead researcher of the study said in a statement:

"When you cross your arms these maps are not activated together anymore, leading to less effective brain processing of sensory stimuli, including pain, being perceived as weaker."

Don't get too excited though because this probably will only help reduce pain when it is inflicted upon your hands. Still inneresting though!

This isn't the first time the 39-year-old's figure has caused controversy. As we reported in January, the American Pie stunner was accused of using Photoshop to make her already narrow waist even smaller.

Reid has admitted to getting plastic surgery in the past to make changes to her abdominal area and breasts -- but the actress asserts that she naturally has a lean shape.